A feed assembly for a foot-pedal operated riveter and a method of using the same is disclosed. The feed assembly includes a rivet stop that has a tip that separates a lowermost fastener from a second from lowermost fastener when the riveter is in a non-operational position. This rivet stop prevents fasteners from sliding down a raceway on the feed assembly. When the riveter is moved into an operational position, the rivet stop moves out of the way and permits the second from lowermost fastener to slide into position for subsequent installation. The rivet stop thus enables automatic reloading of the riveter during operation.

A gripping device for mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, screws, bolts, and similar fasteners, and a robot effector employing such a device. The device includes a housing and a pair of jaws arranged on a holder. The pair of jaws is adapted to grip a mechanical fastener therebetween. The holder is rotatable inside of the housing and the jaws allow a self-centering of a gripped mechanical fastener.

A gripping device for mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, screws, bolts, and similar fasteners, and a robot effector employing such a device. The device includes a housing and a pair of jaws arranged on a holder. The pair of jaws is adapted to grip a mechanical fastener therebetween. The holder is rotatable inside of the housing and the jaws allow a self-centering of a gripped mechanical fastener.

An in-line fastener track selection device comprises a stator having first, second and third fastener conduits; a rotor, rotatably mounted with respect the stator about a rotation axis, and comprising a rotor body and a connection space. The rotor is rotatable between a first position in which the connection space adjoins the first and second fastener conduits, such that, in use, a fastener may pass between the first and second fastener conduits via the connection space, and a second position in which the connection space adjoins the first and third fastener conduits, such that, in use, a fastener may pass between the first and third fastener conduits via the connection space.

An in-line fastener track selection device comprises a stator having first, second and third fastener conduits; a rotor, rotatably mounted with respect the stator about a rotation axis, and comprising a rotor body and a connection space. The rotor is rotatable between a first position in which the connection space adjoins the first and second fastener conduits, such that, in use, a fastener may pass between the first and second fastener conduits via the connection space, and a second position in which the connection space adjoins the first and third fastener conduits, such that, in use, a fastener may pass between the first and third fastener conduits via the connection space.

Various embodiments relate to a method for supplying a riveting machine with rivet elements, in particular during operation of the riveting machine, wherein at least one rivet element providing arrangement comprising at least one rivet element providing unit for providing and separating the rivet element is provided, wherein the riveting machine has a rivet element receiving arrangement comprising at least one rivet element receptacle for receiving the rivet elements, wherein at least a part of the transport from one of the rivet element providing units to one of the rivet element receptacles is realized in a robot-based manner.

Various embodiments relate to a method for supplying a riveting machine with rivet elements, in particular during operation of the riveting machine, wherein at least one rivet element providing arrangement comprising at least one rivet element providing unit for providing and separating the rivet element is provided, wherein the riveting machine has a rivet element receiving arrangement comprising at least one rivet element receptacle for receiving the rivet elements, wherein at least a part of the transport from one of the rivet element providing units to one of the rivet element receptacles is realized in a robot-based manner.

A fastening device for feeding fasteners to a workpiece and for joining it, the fastening device comprising a fastening tool, a fastening device system. The fastening device including a magazine mounted on the fastening tool for holding a fastener. The magazine includes an isolation module located an outlet of the magazine and including a drawer with a recess and an exit port. The drawer is operable to move between a first position, wherein the recess is aligned with the outlet of the magazine, and a second position, wherein the recess is aligned with the exit port.

A fastening device for feeding fasteners to a workpiece and for joining it, the fastening device comprising a fastening tool, a fastening device system. The fastening device including a magazine mounted on the fastening tool for holding a fastener. The magazine includes an isolation module located an outlet of the magazine and including a drawer with a recess and an exit port. The drawer is operable to move between a first position, wherein the recess is aligned with the outlet of the magazine, and a second position, wherein the recess is aligned with the exit port.

An apparatus and method for method for joining materials includes a rivet that may extend through a first sheet to be resistance welded to a second sheet. The head of the rivet has a cavity and vents allowing adhesive extruded from a pilot hole to be received in the cavity and vented in a direction parallel to the first sheet. The rivet is deformed to an hourglass shape that fills the pilot hole and displaces the first sheet into the cavity. Rivet dimension allow for holding with a robotic gripper that can be withdrawn before welding. Methods of monitoring joint quality include comparing welding parameter profiles and images of good and discrepant joints.